After more than three decades of receiving love and care at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the zoo’s rescued brown bear Axhi has been euthanized.
The nearly 31-year-old bear was experiencing “worsening geriatric conditions” over several months that were affecting his daily quality of life, leading staff to decide to humanely end his life, the zoo said.
The zoo rescued Axhi in 1995 after his mother was killed by hunters in Alaska. According to the zoo, brown bears tend to live around 20-25 years in the wild, with few reaching the more advanced age Axhi had even in captivity.
The bear was “a beloved ambassador” for his species, Ursus arctos, throughout his life at the zoo. He will be remembered by staff for his personality and habits, including painstakingly building dens each winter for hibernation and being unafraid to dive underwater for treats, unlike most brown bears. Even at 30-years-old, Axhi continued to learn, the zoo said.
“His story reminds us of the challenges bears face in the wild and the vital role conservation efforts play in ensuring their survival,” the zoo wrote in a statement. “For those who cared for him, Axhi will always be remembered as resilient, curious and deeply beloved.”
